5 Potential Landing Spots For Colorado Avalanche F Matt Duchene

NHL Trade Speculation: 5 Potential Offseason Landing Spots For Colorado Avalanche F Matt Duchene

Colorado Avalanche F Matt Duchene is in hot water for an untimely goal celebration, bringing old trade rumours back to life.

No better time than the present to rank the top 5 teams that Duchene has a possibility of playing for next season.

5. Nashville Predators

Sep 20, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) during the first period against the Florida Panthers at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) during the first period against the Florida Panthers at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

I know, I know, the Preds already got their man in Ryan Johansen. But, it seems like Nashville can still take another step into an elite offensive machine. If GM David Poile is willing to give up his 1st rounder and someone like Mike Fisher, it’s possible that they could work out a deal for Duchene. As we have learned, two elite centers can do you no harm.

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4. Carolina Hurricanes

Feb 18, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman (68) steals the puck from Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman (68) steals the puck from Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (74) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Staal replacement? How about Duchene? Not only that, but the Hurricanes could conjure up a pretty sweet offer for the Avalanche centre, with their 1st round picks, James Wisniewski, Jaccob Slavin and Ryan Murphy all potential trade bait.

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3. Ottawa Senators

Oct 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) skates with the puck against pressure from Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Cody Ceci (5) skates with the puck against pressure from Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Back in November, the media went crazy when it was reported that the Senators and Avalanche were working on a Matt Duchene trade. Nothing became of that, but could talks resume this summer? GM Bryan Murray could move out his 1st rounder, Cody Ceci, or recent 2015 top prospects Colin White and Tomas Chabot in a potential deal.

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2. Columbus Blue Jackets

Nov 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kerby Rychel (21) against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kerby Rychel (21) against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

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The Blue Jackets need a big player up front after the departure of Ryan Johansen, but is Duchene the right one? Do they even have the pieces to acquire him? Colorado Avalanche F Matt Duchene has all-world talent, but he has had public issues with Patrick Roy and the Jackets don’t want to put themselves in another situation.

However, if Jarmo Kekalainen is willing, the Blue Jackets could give the Avalanche a rare win-win deal in Kerby Rychel and Ryan Murray for Duchene. The Avs get a young defender who hasn’t succeeded in Columbus and a blue chip prospect who wants out, and the Jackets get their star center.

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1. New Jersey Devils

Feb 16, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) skates while wearing the team
Feb 16, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) skates while wearing the team

Next: 5 Absurd Trades That Nearly Happened

Devils GM Ray Shero has been very active trying to find a young forward for his team, and he might have his big opportunity in Duchene. If the Devils do get Duchene, just imagine him and Pavel Zacha down the middle. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Shero and Colorado GM Joe Sakic have done deals before. Is top prospect defender Steve Santini and Adam Henrique the right return for Duchene?